Hey Team, I’m Gemma.
I’m a Strength and Conditioning Coach, who specialise in Youth Physical Development and I’m super excited to join Team Valesco to deliver Valesco Kids and Teens Fitness.
I’ve always loved sport, as a kid I loved anything that involved being outside and being active, but my real passion was discovered at 15, when I picked up a rugby ball for the first time. Since then, I have been fortunate enough to represent the British Army, UK Armed Forces and Wales in both 7s and 15s. The highlight of my sporting career has been playing for Wales in the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2017 and Commonwealth Games 2018. My passion for Strength and Conditioning developed through my experience as an elite athlete, as I was constantly looking for ways to find the competitive edge and get the most out of my training. I had already completed a BSc in Sport and Exercise Science at Exeter University, so went on to complete an MSc in Strength and Conditioning from Cardiff Metropolitan University. I have used my knowledge and experience to deliver physical development sessions to youth rugby players, with an emphasis on improving functional movement and decreasing the risk of injury.
I am also passionate about Mental Health; I am a qualified Mental Health First Aider, and an ambassador for the Mental Health charity Brave Mind’. I believe encouraging participation in physical activity from a young age is vital to the overall health and wellbeing of the next generation; “A gardener does not make a plant grow; a gardener is to create optimal conditions for the plant to flourish” ~ Sir Ken Richardson.